Periodic Reporting Exercise On The Application of The World Heritage Convention Section II: State of Conservation of Specific World Heritage Properties

Periodic Reporting Exercise On The Application Of The World Heritage
Convention
Section II: State Of Conservation Of Specific World Heritage Properties

II.1. Introduction

Country (and State Party if different): INDIA
Name of the World Heritage property: FATEHPUR SIKRI
Map (in triplicate) attached

Centre point : 27 5 40 N; 77 39 51 E
North-west point
:
27 5 54 N; 77 39 36 E
South-east point : 27 5 21 N; 77 40 13 E
Total Area : 132.278 acres

Date of inscription on the World Heritage List:
28.11.1986
Organization(s) or entity(ies) responsible for the preparation of this report

Organization(s) /
entity(ies):
Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle
Person(s) responsible:
Address: 22 The Mall,
City and post code: Agra 282001 UTTAR PRADESH
Telephone: (91) 0562 2227261 & 63
Fax: (91) 0562 2227262
E-mail: asiagra@sancharnet.in

Date of preparation of the report: December 2002
Signature on behalf of State Party

1
Convention

Signature:
Name: Mohammed K.K.
Function Superintending Archaeologist, Agra Circle

II.2. Statement of significance

At the time of inscribing a property on the World Heritage List, the World Heritage
Committee indicates its outstanding universal value(s), or World Heritage value(s), by
deciding on the criteria for which the property deserved to be included on the World
Heritage List. Circle the criteria retained for the inscription:

Cultural criteria: i ii iii iv v vi

Natural criteria: i ii iii iv

Were new criteria added by re-nominating and/or extending the property after the
original inscription?
YES/NO

If YES, please explain:
Please quote observations concerning the property made by the Advisory Body(ies)
during the evaluation of the nomination:

None

2
Convention

Quote the decisions and observations / recommendations, if appropriate, made by the
World Heritage Committee at the time of inscription and extension (if applicable):

DECISION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE : 7
TH
SESSION
The Committee made no statement.

Identify the action taken as follow-up to those observations and/or decisions:
Please propose a statement of significance by providing a description of the World
Heritage value(s) for which the property was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
This description should reflect the criterion (criteria) on the basis of which the
Committee inscribed the property on the World Heritage List and it should also detail
what the property represents, what makes it outstanding, what the specific values are
that distinguish the property as well as what its relationship with its setting is, etc.:

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE:

Built during the second half of the 16
th
century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur
Sikri is the first planned city of the Mughal, constructed on the bank of a large
natural lake. It had an efficient drainage and water management system.
The city wall, which in its nine-kilometre run is pierced by nine gates, holds a
large area with undisturbed archaeological remains. Architecturally, Fatehpur Sikri
exhibits a fusion of prolific and versatile Indo-Islamic style. Fatehpur Sikri has a
healthy combination of secular and religious buildings. At Fatehpur Sikri stands
the Asias tallest arched gateway known as Buland Darwaza.
For the extension of a property or the inclusion of additional criteria a re-submission
of the property may be considered. This might be regarded as necessary in order to
recognize cultural values of a natural World Heritage property, or vice-versa, become
desirable following the substantive revision of the criteria by the world Heritage
015
3
Convention

Committee or due to better identification or knowledge of specific outstanding
universal values of the property. Should a re-nomination of the property be
considered?
YES / NO
If YES, please explain:
016
Are the borders of the World Heritage property and its buffer zone (still) adequate to
ensure the protection and conservation of the propertys World Heritage values:
YES / NO
017
If NO, please explain:
018
Is the State Party actively considering a revision of the property boundaries or the
buffer zone?:
YES / NO
019
If YES, indicate what is being done to that end:
Extension of buffer zone is planned under the Fatehpur Sikri Master Development
Plan together with establishment of a tourist centre near Agra Gate.
020

II.3. Statement of authenticity / integrity

Have the World Heritage values identified above been maintained since the
propertys inscription?
YES / NO
021
If NO, Please describe the changes and name the causes:
022
What was the evaluation of the authenticity / integrity of the property at the time of
inscription? (Please quote from the ICOMOS / IUCN evaluation):
ICOMOS is pleased with the perspective opened by the proposal for the inclusion of
FatehpurSikri on the World Heritage List and feels that this proposal would be
acceptable based on criteria II, III and IV.
However, ICOMOS deems unacceptable, in its present form, the imprecise and
restrictive definition of the proposal sited by India Government. At Fatehpur Sikri,
023
4
Convention

which may be defined as both and archaeological and a urban ensemble, it would be
derisory to consider only the protection of a limited group of monuments. All of the
area intra-muros should be included and a wide area of protection defined around it.
Moreover, ICOMOS is alarmed at the dangers with which the opening of quarries
threatens the site.
ICOMOS feels that it would, thus, be preferable to differ the inclusion of Ftaehpur
Sikri while awaiting a satisfactory demarcation and sufficient guarantees of
preservation.
Have there been changes in the authenticity / integrity since inscription?
YES /NO
024
If YES, please describe the changes to the authenticity / integrity and name the main
causes?
The Archaeological Survey of India, which is responsible for the repairs,
conservation and maintenance of the Taj Mahal has taken adequate measures to
preserve and protect the monument without disturbing its originality.
Baring essential repairs and conservation to render longevity to the old structures
no changes have been made in the authenticity / integrity of the property since
inscription. Even the replacing of the decayed stone pieces and other conservation
has been done in such manner as to match with the original with traditional
material.
However, tourism pressure and visitor facilitation, at times, necessitates some
alteration in the originality (integrity) of the property, which are of temporary
nature.
025
Are there (further) changes foreseeable to the authenticity / integrity of the property
in the near future?
YES / NO
026
If YES, please explain and indicate how these changes might affect the World Heritage
values of the property:
Development of tourist facilities like interpretation centre, information kiosk, toilet
blocks, water points, provision of ramps to facilitate physically challenged and
provision of rest areas is proposed which may entail which might affect the
functional aspect of some of the enclosed areas or entry points.
027

5
Convention

II.4. Management

How could the arrangements for the protection and the management of the property
best be defined (more than on indication possible)?

Legal
Contractual
Traditional
( )

028
Please describe and assess the implementation and effectiveness of these
arrangements for the preservation of the values described under item II.2 at the
national, provincial and/or municipal level:
Implementations of the arrangements depend upon the co-operation of
the local authorities, since ASI does not have enforcement machinery.
However, in most of the cases local authorities have extended fullest co-
operation and the implementation has been optimum.
If properly implemented and enforced these arrangements have proved
very effective.
029
In general terms, can this legislative, contractual and/or traditional protection be
considered sufficient?
YES / NO

030
Please explain
The Act of 1958 provides for the protection and preservation of the
Centrally Protected monuments from all perceivable dangers caused by
human interference to the monuments.
031
Provide a list and summaries of laws and regulations concerning cultural and natural
properties protection and management (including extracts of relevant articles from the
032
6
Convention

Constitution, Criminal Law, Law/Regulation on Land-use, Environment Law and
Forestry Law, amongst others). Please also attach any documentation available
concerning these points:
The Fatehpur Sikri has been notified as a Centrally Protected Monument of
national importance under the Ancient Monuments, Sites and Remains Act,
1958. Rules to the Act were formulated in 1959 provide for its
implementation. A significant amendment to the provisions of the Act was
made in 1992 whereby:
All Centrally protected monuments in India will have a 100 metre
prohibited zone where no mining or construction will be allowed & by a
further 200 metre regulated zone where the development will remain
under control and in accordance of ASI.
No person shall, within a protected monument do any act which causes or
likely to cause any damage or injury to any part of the monument: or
Discharge any fire arms; or
Cook or consume food except in areas, if any permitted to be used for that
purpose; or
Hawk or sell any goods or wares or canvass any custom for such goods or
wares or display any advertisement in any for or show a visitor around for
monetary consideration, except under the authority of, or under and in
accordance with the conditions of a licence granted by an Archaeological
Officer; or
Beg for alms; or
Violate any practice, usage or custom applicable to or observed in the
monument; or
Bring; for any purpose other than the maintenance of the monument, (1)
any animal, or (2) any vehicle except in areas for the parking thereof.
In recent times Honble Supreme Court has also passed land mark
directions for supplementing the Law.
We make it clear that the ASI shall not permit any shopping complex to
come up within the Taj premises and also within 200 metres outside and
around the premises. WP (C) No. 13381/84 Dated 04.10.1996.
We make it clear that henceforth no commercial activity shall be
7
Convention

allowed within the premises of the Agra Fort or in other protected
monument at Agra in the Taj Trapezium. Interlocutory Application No.
52/1996 in WP (C) No. 13381/84 Dated 07.12,1998
For the security deployment it has been agreed that the Central
Industrial Security Force (CISF) would take over the security of the Taj
Complex from 1
st
May, 2002. It is also agreed that on 30
th
April, 2002,
there will be a formal meeting of the concerned officers of the State as
well as the CISF, for handingh over the charge. Interlocutory
Application No. 111 in WP (C) No. 13381/84 Date 26.04.2002
Implementation is the responsibility of ASI with the help of local
authorities.
These arrangements are quite effective, if implemented properly.
Decribe the administrative and management arrangements that are in place fro the
property concerned, making special mention of the institutions and organizations that
have management authority over the property as well as of the arrangements that are
in place for the coordination of their actions:
Conservation Assistant (Site Manager) supervises the management and
administration of the property under the guidance of the Superintending
Archaeologist of the Agra Circle. ASI is responsible for
Administration of the site.
Carrying out the repairs, restoration, maintenance and conservation work.
Waqf Board is responsible for the religious activities in the Dargah precinct.
Other Agencies exercising authority in and/or around the World Heriatge site are
Town and Country Planning Organization (TCPO) is responsible for a Master
Plan for Fatehpur Sikri.
Agra Development Authority (ADA) manages the constructional activities.
Nagar Palika (Municipal Corporation) maintains the water supply, sewage
and other municipal services.
Public Works Department (PWD) maintains the roads within the site.
Indian Railway has a rail link to Fatehpur Sikri.
033
8
Convention

Uttar Pradesh Electricity Board maintains the electricity supply to the site.
UP Tourism manages the only public guest house in Fatepur Sikri.
Please indicate under which level of authority the property is managed:

Local
Regional
National
Other (please describe):
( )

( )

In fact it is a mix of all the three. The Conservation
Assistant who is a local officer works under the
guidance of the regional / Circle office of the
Archaeological Survey of India. All the three represent
Central Government.
Since the 100 metre prohibited area and 200 metre
regulated, which is very essential for the property, is
not the property of Archaeological Survey of India and
comes under the control of the District administration
(local level) District administration also plays some role
in the management of at least some part (buffer zone)of
the property.
034
Please provide the full name, address and phone/fax/e-mail of the entity(ies) directly
responsible for the management (conservation, preservation, visitor management) of
the property:
Sr. Conservation Assistant, Archaeological Survey of India, Fatehpur Sikri Dak
Bunglow, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra.
Phone : +91-
035
Is it necessary to revise the administrative and management arrangements for the
property?
YES / NO
036
If YES, explain why this is the case:
037
9
Convention

Is there a management plan for the property?
YES / NO
038
If YES, please summarize, indicating if the plan is being implemented and since when:
X
th
Five year plan has been drawn up in the year 2002 for addressing to the
conservation and management related problems in phased manner after duly
prioritising the need of the monument / property.
039
Please report on legal and administrative actions that are foreseen for future, to
preserve the values described under item II.2 (e.g. passing of legislation, adjusting
administrative and management arrangements, implementing or drawing up of a
(new) management plan, etc.):
040

Please provide detailed information, particularly in case where changes have occurred
since the inscription of the property, on the following matters:

Conservation
Make reference to all major interventions at the property and describe its
present state of conservation
1997-98
Repairs to Stone Cutters Mosque pointing and recessed pointing on
coarse rubble stone
At Rang Mahal north-west side roof was water tightened to arrest
seepage. Decayed red sandstone brackets were also restored.
Repairs to roof of dallan (corridors) and cells at Dargah complex was
carried out
Old and decayed roof concrete was replaced with fresh lime concrete at
janana Rauza and corridor along Badshahi Gate.
Stone flooring was provided in the basement cells of Jami Mosque.
Missing inlay pieces at the Buland Darwaza were provided.

041
10
Convention

1998-99
Stone walls north-east and south of Naguna Mosque were repaired.
Broken chhajas were replaced at Birbals Palace.
Inlay pieces of various patterns were provided and veneering stones
and lintels were replaced at Jami Mosque.
Complete serpentine bracket were provided at mausoleum of St. Salim
Chishti.
Collapsed portion of the wall in front of Turkish Sultana Place was
restored.
The porch near the Turkish Sultana Palace was give lime concrete
replacement to the roof and broken and buldged architectural members
were replaced and reset.
1999-2000
Roof to corridors of the Diwan-I-Am was water tightened at point and
broken/missing chhajas were replaced. Red sand stone pathways were
provided along the corridor.
Anoop Talao was restored to its Mughal beauty by removing the
British period filling.
Diwan-I-Am, Panch Mahal, Khwabgah, Diwan-I-Khas were water
tightened from roof by recessed pointing, grouting the holes and
providing lime concrete.
Hakims House was conserved.
More than 100 burjis in the Dargah Complex were made water tight by
replacing old dead plaster.
Tomb of Nawab Islam Khan was replastered.
Red sandstone jali rail were provided at pavilion of Jarokha Darshan.

11
Convention

2001-02
Repairs to Dargah: Gold plated Brass finial was provided to the
mausoleum of the St. Salim Chishti, as per original; and the roof was
water tightened.
Repairs to Dargah Complex: Resetting of the flooring stone, pointing
of the joints where needed and fixing of / replacing the missing or
decayed red sandstone finial to the smaller chhatris. Mughal pattern
doors were provided to the cells in Dargah complex.
Repairs to Abul Faizis house: Replacement of missing/decayed stone
slabs, dasa pan, chhajas, floor pieces; resetting of Dab & Quaidi, etc.
and water tightening of the roof.
Restoration of Treasury Building to house a proposed museum:
Providing red sand stone vaulted roof, red sand stone jails, mellon
check veeenering above chhajas, doors and door frames, plaster to the
walls, resetting of floor. All the openings were provided with MS Iron
jails and gates for openings.
Repairs to Tansen baradari: Stone edging for pathways along with
dwarf wall for maintaining garden were provided. Red sand stone door
frames, panels and flooring were also provided. Stained lime
pointingwas done to the structure and roof was wter tightened.
Ownership
Make reference to all major changes in the ownership of the property and
describe its present state of ownership:
Government of India there has been no change, whatsoever, in the ownership
status of the property.
042

Please, give a detailed description of the staffing of the site:
Conservation assistants (site managers) 2
Foreman 1
Assistant Foreman 1
Monument attendants 36
043
12
Convention

Monument attendants 36
Temporary status employees 30
Security & Intelligence Service (Private Security) guards 22
Is the staffing level sufficient for adequate management of the property?
YES /NO
044
If NO, what should be done to improve the situation?
Considering the multifold increase in the visitor inflow and the resultant increase
in threat of vandalism it is pertinent not only to increase the manpower at all the
levels but also to introduce state-of-art gadgetry to monitor and control the visitor
crowd. Many of the posts are lying vacant at present.
045
Does the staff need additional training?
YES /NO
046
If YES, what are the training needs for your staff?

Staff at different levels require different training such as computer literacy to
clerks, Foreman and Conservation Assistant, training in visitor management is also
required for the group D staff.
Specific technical training in study and preparation of lime is desirable for the
Conservation Assistant. Further, training in application and usage of GIS is also
needed.
The Assistant Archaeologists associated with the World Heritage site require
special training in
Geographical Information System,
Total Station Surveying (Digital Survey)
Ground Penetrating Radar System
047

Describing the funding and financial situation of the property, indication sources,
level and regularity of financing:
048
13
Convention

Funds for regular conservation work are received from the Government of
India. The ASI undertakes all structural conservation and preservation works.
Every year proposal listing the urgent works to be undertaken is prepared by
the Senior Conservation Assistant. It is placed before the Directorate Office,
which after scrutiny approves and accordingly the Directorate releases funds.
Is the available funding sufficient for adequate management of the property?
YES /NO
049
If NOT, describe the financial resources that would be required for the management of
the property:
050

Indicate International Assistance from which the property has benefited:
NONE

World Heritage Fund:
X
051
UNESCO International Campaign:
X
052
National and/or regional projects of UNDP, The World Bank or other agencies:
X
053
Bilateral co-operation:
X
054
Other assistance:
X
055

Describe the IT (computer) equipment of the site and/or management office and
assess its effectiveness:
At present computer facilities are only available at the Regional Office at Agra.

056
14
Convention

Are you using (multiple indications are possible):
PC ( )
Apple ( )
Mainframe ( )

057
Please, give the number of available computers: -------
058
Does an operational access to the Internet exist?
YES / NO
059
Is e-mail used for daily correspondence?
YES / NO
060
Is there a Geographical Information System (GIS) for the site?
YES / NO
061
If YES, What software do you have and how is the GIS used?
062

List scientific studies and research programmes that have been conducted concerning
the site:

063

Describe financial and human resource inputs for the research programmes and or
facilities:
No provision exists.
064
Describe how the information / results are disseminated?
065
Are there any visitor statistics for the site?
YES / NO
066
If Yes, please summarize the statistics and attach to this report:

067
15
Convention

TOURIST INFLOW AT FATEHPUR SIKRI

Tourist Year
Indian Foreigner
Total
1997 1,81,535 1,81,535
1998 3,01,942 3,01,942
1999 4,23,117 4,23,117
2000 2,74,302 34,588 3,08,890
2001 2,40,209 1,08,880 3,49,089
2002 1,30,484 38,000 1,68,484

Bold and underlined entry is only upto August 2002

REVENUE EARNED THROUGH TICKET SALE AT
FATEHPUR SIKRI

Currency Year
INR US$
Total
In INR
1997 9,07,585 9,07,585
1998 15,09,710 15,09,710
1999 17,42,945 17,42,945
16
Convention

2000 1,61,08,110 34,950 1,77,85,710
2001 4,04,71,640 1,30,790 4,67,49,560
2002 88,06,590 39,965 1,07,24,910

Bold and underlined entry is only upto August 2002
US$ are converted @INR 48

What visitor facilities do you have at the property?
Toilets: presently toilets are situated at the parking lot near Badshahi gate
and within the complex it self.
Parking for the vehicle is provided at the Badshahi Gate.
Every major monument in the complex has a signage giving general facts
about the monument. The signage is uniform within the site.
Two site maps are provided at the two entrances.
ASI publications on Fatepur Sikri are available for sale.
068
What visitor facilities are you in need of?
The site of this magnitude requires tourist facilities like
Interpretation/orientation centre to transport the visitor to the period of the
monument.
Information kiosk,
Toilet blocks unobtrusive and at convenient points,
Water points,
Provision of ramps to facilitate physically challenged
069
17
Convention

Provision of rest areas
Publication counters
Library and research centre for public use.
Is a public use plan (tourism / visitor management plan) in existence for the property?
YES / NO
070
If YES, please summarize, if NO explain if one is needed:
Visitor management plan is very much the need of the site, in fact efforts towards
this end are already on. ADA and TCPO are working with ASI on this.
071

Indicate how the propertys World Heritage values are communicated to residents,
visitors and the public (please attach examples of leaflets, videos, posters, etc. and
print-outs and/or the address of the web page):
Cultural activities on the occasion of World Heritage Day, World Heritage Week,
Independence Day, Republic Day etc.
ASI & other publications on Fatehpur Sikri are available for sale. On above
mentioned occasion school students are invited and involved into various
educational or creative activities to arouse the feeling of relatedness with the
monument.
Official website of the Archaeological Survey of India: www.asi.nic.in contains few
pages on Fatehpur Sikri.
072
Are there educational programmes concerning the property aimed at schools?
YES / NO
073
If YES, Please Describe:
074

What role does World Heritage inscription play for the site concerning the visitor
number, the research programmes and/or the awareness building activities?

075
18
Convention

Inscription on the World Heritage List makes it a place of special importance. Its is
helpful in getting international publicity which attracts general tourists, researchers
as well as professionals. While all this helps in the development of the monument,
it also brings the property under various types of pressure.

II.5. Factors affecting the property

Please comment on the degree to which the property is threatened by particular
problems and risks, such as development pressure, environmental pressure, natural
disasters and preparedness, visitor / tourism pressure, number of inhabitants. Also
mention all other issues that you see as problematic.
1. Development Pressure
Unplanned growth of the township has resulted into severe chocking of the
monuments, especially those that are in the town area.
City has a bustling tourism based economy with rapidly growing small and
medium scale industry.
Infrastructure has not been able to keep pace with population growth.
Basic amenities like electricity, potable water and quality breathing air are
not adequate to meet the requirement.

2. Environmental Pressure
Although Mining operation in the near by area has been banned by the
Hon;ble Supreme Court, some illegal blasting goes on creating undesirable
vibrations.
Blasting and the vehicles that are currently allowed up to the Badshahi Gate
generate lot of dust and dirt that finds a good resting place on the
monyments.
3. Natural Disaster
No natural disaster/calamities are known to have occurred at Fatehpur Sikri.
It is safe, relatively, from seismic activity or floods.
076
19
Convention

4. Visitor Pressure
Floors and the approachable portion of the structure bear the burnt of the
tourist inflow.
Vandalism
During the time Urs of St. Salim Chishti at the Dargah Complex and during
the Urs of St. Muinuddin Chishti at Ajmer, the site is subjected to
uncontrollable tremendous pilgrim pressure.
5. Population within the buffer zone
A large segment of the local population earns it livelihood from monument
related activities. As a result the Dargah area is always crowded and in the
vicinity shops are regular.
6. War/Terrorism
It is a newly developed threat all over the world.
Is there an emergency plan and / or risk preparedness plan for the property in
existence?
YES / NO
077
If YES, please summarize the plan and provide a copy:
078
If NO, describe what is being done and by whom to counteract the dangers that
threaten or may threaten the property:
At the time any impending danger or actual danger local administration is called
for help.
079
Indicate areas where improvement would be desirable and/or toward which the State
Party is working:
Sophisticated system for screening visitors and to keep a watch over the crowd
movements is essentially required.
080
Give an indication if the impact of the factors affecting the property is increasing or
decreasing:
Increasing
081
20
Convention

What actions have been effectively taken, or are planned for the future, to address the
factors affecting the property?
Fatehpur Sikri Master Development Plan is being developed which envisages:
Relocation of the parking lot near Agra Gate
Establishment of tourist shopping centre near Agra Gate

II.6. Monitoring

If applicable, give details (e.g. dates, results, indicators chosen) of any previous
periodic or reactive monitoring exercises of the property
082
Is there a formal monitoring system established for the site?
YES / NO
083
If YES, please give details of its organization:
Structural Monitoring ASI
The Archaeological Survey of India has a regular system of monitoring of the
property. The Conservation Assistant (Site Manager) supported by his
Monument Attendants (watch and ward staff) keep a regular watch of any
change in the structure or its ambience and report to the Circle Superintendent.
Superintending Archaeologist and his subordinate archaeological officers
also visit the monument and prepare visit report. All such reporting are
supported by photo-documentation. The process of deterioration is, thus,
detected in its initial stage itself and then begins the remedial process.
The photo-documentation, which is kept in the archives with due recording of
date, month and year provides a good monitoring tool.

084
If not already in place, is the establishment of a formal monitoring system planned?
YES / NO
085
If YES, please outline the functioning of that system, taking into consideration the key
086
21
Convention

indicators you will be asked to define below (see 089 / 090)
Are there any indicators established for monitoring the state of conservation of the
property?
YES / NO
087
If YES, please provide up-to-date information with respect to each of the key
indicators established and/or used. Care should be taken to ensure that this
information is as accurate and reliable as possible, for example by carrying out
observations in the same way, using similar equipment and methods at the same time
of the year and day. Name and describe the key indicators for measuring the state of
conservation of this property?
Each and every development in the property is recorded photographically and a
systematic record is meticulously kept.
To monitor cracks and settling tell-tale glasses have been fixed. However, so
far, no formal key-indicators have been fixed.
088
If NO indicators have been identified and / or used so far, please define key
indicators for future use in monitoring:
089
Indicate which partners, if any, are involved or will be involved in the regular
monitoring exercise:
At present no partners are involved nor there exist any plan to involve one.
090
Identify the administrative provisions for organizing the regular monitoring of the
property:
Please refer to item 085
091
Describe what improvement the State Party foresees or would consider desirable in
improving the monitoring system:
Establishment of some formal key indicators and use of modern gadgetry is
required essentially.
092
In specific cases, the World Heritage Committee and/or its Bureau may have already
examined the state of conservation of the property and made recommendations to the
State Party, either at the time of inspection or afterwards. In such cases the State Party
is requested to report on the actions that have been taken in response to observations
or decisions made by the Bureau or Committee. Give details, if applicable:
093
22
Convention

II.7. Conclusions and recommended actions
Please summarize the main conclusions regarding the state of the World Heritage
values of the property (see items II.2. and II.3. above):
Built during the second half of the 16
th
century by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur
Sikri is the first planned city of the Mughal, constructed on the bank of a large
natural lake. It had an efficient drainage and water management system.The city
wall, which in its nine-kilometre run is pierced by nine gates, holds a large area
with undisturbed archaeological remains. Architecturally, Fatehpur Sikri
exhibits a fusion of prolific and versatile Indo-Islamic style. Fatehpur Sikri has
a healthy combination of secular and religious buildings. At Fatehpur Sikri
stands the Asias tallest arched gateway known as Buland Darwaza.
The property was inscribed in 1986 as Cultural Site under criteria C ii, iii & iv.
ICOMOS However, ICOMOS deems unacceptable, in its present form, the imprecise
and restrictive definition of the proposal sited by India Government. At Fatehpur
Sikri, which may be defined as both and archaeological and a urban ensemble, it
would be derisory to consider only the protection of a limited group of monuments.
All of the area intra-muros should be included and a wide area of protection defined
around it.
Moreover, ICOMOS is alarmed at the dangers with which the opening of quarries
threatens the site.
ICOMOS feels that it would, thus, be preferable to differ the inclusion of Ftaehpur
Sikri while awaiting a satisfactory demarcation and sufficient guarantees of
preservation.
Objections and suggestions have since been taken care of.
NO new criteria was/were added to the original inscription or nor any
extension of a property or the inclusion of additional criteria through a re-
submission of the property is envisaged, however, extension of buffer zone is
planned under the Fatehpur Sikri Master Development Plan together with
establishment of a tourist centre near Agra Gate.
The Archaeological Survey of India, which is responsible for the repairs,
conservation and maintenance of the Taj Mahal has taken adequate measures to
preserve and protect the monument without disturbing its originality.
Baring essential repairs and conservation to render longevity to the old structures
no changes have been made in the authenticity / integrity of the property since
094
23
Convention

inscription. Even the replacing of the decayed stone pieces and other conservation
has been done in such manner as to match with the original with traditional
material.
However, tourism pressure and visitor facilitation, at times, necessitates some
alteration in the originality (integrity) of the property, which are of temporary
nature.
Development of tourist facilities like interpretation centre, information kiosk,
toilet blocks, water points, provision of ramps to facilitate physically challenged
and provision of rest areas is proposed which may entail which might affect the
functional aspect of some of the enclosed areas or entry points.

Please summarize the main conclusions regarding the management and factors
affecting the property (see items II.4. and II.5. above):
Legal Provisions
The Act of 1958 provides for the protection and preservation of the
Centrally Protected monuments from all perceivable dangers caused by
human interference to the monuments.
In recent times Honble Supreme Court has also passed land mark
directions for supplementing the Law.
Implementation is the responsibility of ASI with the help of local
authorities.
These arrangements are quite effective, if implemented properly.
Implementations of the arrangements depend upon the co-operation of the
local authorities, since ASI does not have enforcement machinery.
However, in most of the cases local authorities have extended fullest co-
operation and the implementation has been optimum.
If properly implemented and enforced these arrangements have proved
very effective.

095
24
Convention

Administrative And Management Arrangements

Site is managed both at LOCAL as well as National level with following agencies
playing their respective part.
ASI
Waqf Board
Town and Country Planning Organization (TCPO) is responsible for a Master
Plan for Fatehpur Sikri.
Agra Development Authority (ADA) manages the constructional activities.
Nagar Palika (Municipal Corporation) maintains the water supply, sewage and
other municipal services.
Public Works Department (PWD) maintains the roads within the site.
Indian Railway has a rail link to Fatehpur Sikri.
Uttar Pradesh Electricity Board maintains the electricity supply to the site.
UP Tourism manages the only public guest house in Fatepur Sikri.

Requirements/Recommendations
Periodic repairs conforming to archaeological and international norms have been
carried out from time to time as part of annual and special repairs programmes to render
longevity to the monument
Considering the multifold increase in the visitor inflow and the resultant increase
in threat of vandalism it is pertinent not only to increase the manpower at all the
levels but also to introduce state-of-art gadgetry to monitor and control the visitor
crowd. Many of the posts are lying vacant at present.
Staff at different levels require different training such as computer literacy to
clerks, Foreman and Conservation Assistant, training in visitor management is also
required for the group D staff.
Specific technical training in study and preparation of lime is desirable for the
Conservation Assistant. Further, training in application and usage of GIS is also
needed.
25
Convention

The Assistant Archaeologists associated with the World Heritage site require
special training in
Geographical Information System,
Total Station Surveying (Digital Survey)
Ground Penetrating Radar System
At present no computer / IT paraphernalia exists for or at the property, which is
badly needed.
Basic visitor facilities are available at the monument at present, however, the site
of this magnitude requires advanced tourist facilities of international
standard conforming to the ancient ambience.
Visitor management plan is very much the need of the site, in fact efforts towards
this end are already on. ADA and TCPO are working with ASI on this.
Give an overview over proposed future action / actions:
Fatehpur Sikri Master Development Plan is being developed which envisages:
Relocation of the parking lot near Agra Gate
Establishment of tourist shopping centre near Agra Gate
096
Name the agency responsible for implementation of these actions (if different from
005):
Town and Country Planning Organization (TCPO)
Agra Development Authority (ADA).
097
Give a timeframe for the implementation of the actions described above: 098
Indicate for which of the planned activities International Assistance from World
Heritage Fund may be needed (if any):
100

Are there any contacts with the management units of other properties within or
outside your country?
YES / NO

101
26

If Yes, please explain:
Within the country YES. All the Manpower, excepting the Group D staff is kept
rotating all over the country. Further, 16 of the total World Heritage Sites in India
are under the control of ASI.
102

Please indicate which experience made during the periodic reporting exercise and/or
during the on-going conservation / protection efforts of the property could be shared
with other State Parties dealing with similar problems or issues:
103

Provide the name(s) and address(es) of organization(s) or specialist(s) who could be
contacted for this porpose:

Agency / Organization: Archaeological Survey of India,

Person responsible: Superintending Archaeologist

Address: ASI, Agra Circle, 22 The Mall,

City and post code: Agra 282 001

Telephone: +0091-562-2227261& 63

Fax: +0091-562-2227262

E-mail: asiagra@sancharnet.in
104

II.8. Assessment or the Periodic Reporting exercise for Section II

Was sufficient and adequate information made available to the responsible authorities
and individuals during the preparation phase of the Periodic Reporting exercise
(information given, meetings, etc.)?
105

Was the Questionaire clear and did it help to comply with the reporting requirements
of the State Party?
YES
106

What are the perceived benefits and lessons learnt of the exercise?
It will make a good reference point and would act as a bench mark status report.
107

Please describe the expected outcome of the Periodic Reporting exercise and the
desired follow-up by the World Heritage Committee:
108

27

Periodic Reporting Exercise On The Application of The World Heritage Convention Section II: State of Conservation of Specific World Heritage Properties

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Periodic Reporting Exercise On The Application of The World Heritage Convention Section II: State of Conservation of Specific World Heritage Properties

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Periodic Reporting Exercise On The Application Of The World Heritage

You might also like